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County presentation spotlights 'Love Where You Live' initiative; Homeless Coalition receives merchandise proceeds
Summary
Cherokee County’s communications team presented the 2025 'Love Where You Live' Community Give Back at the Nov. 18 work session and handed a merchandise‑funds check to the Homeless Coalition. Staff said advertising and merchandise costs were covered by hotel/motel tax, not the general fund.
The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners heard a presentation on the 2025 'Love Where You Live' Community Give Back program on Nov. 18, and county staff presented a merchandise‑sales donation to the Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County.
Erica Nelder, the county’s communications director, told the board the team produced 12 videos for the initiative, conducted 12 interviews, and achieved roughly 2,200 video views with a social reach of more than 30,000. She said the county completed the trademark process for the program logo with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and added merchandise—sweatshirts, T‑shirts, polos, hats and tumblers—for sale to raise money.
“We do not use any general fund dollars on this project,” Nelder said. “All advertising efforts and merchandise stock are funded through hotel/motel tax.” She noted Deadline Apparel provided merchandise at cost so proceeds could go to the Community Give Back.
Dr. Mary Ann Butler, executive director of the Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County, described the coalition as a small, referral‑based organization that provides a weeklong hotel stay program and a longer (about five‑month) program aimed at housing stability and sustainability. “We are beyond thrilled to receive this award and acknowledgment for the work that we’re doing in our community,” Butler said.
Nelder said merchandise sales produced $19.41 for the Homeless Coalition this year and encouraged continued nominations and purchases to increase fundraising for next year. The board invited coalition members and program participants to the front for a check presentation and a group photo.
The presentation concluded with commissioners thanking Nelder, Butler and volunteers; staff said additional information and a merchandise catalog are available on the county site (lwyl.cherokeecountyga.gov). The program’s financing and marketing, staff emphasized, will continue to use hotel/motel tax revenues rather than general fund dollars.
